GREEN TEA: STUDY RESULTS

Ohio State University researchers used mice to test the effects of green tea extract on reducing obesity.

To investigate, the scientists studied male mice.For 8 weeks, they fed half of the mice a standard diet, and the remaining half ate a high-fat diet that causes obesity. The researchers mixed green tea extract into half of each group’s food.

Following the 8 week regimen, they measured inflammation within the gut, fat tissue, and gut bacteria. Previous studies showed that obesity triggers gut inflammation and increases toxic bacteria levels. The also measured toxins in the bloodstream.

Gut bacteria produce these chemicals, and once in the blood, they move around the body, increasing inflammation and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance leads to diabetes.

The results showed that green tea extract helps to reduce and control obesity.

Mice that ate a high-fat diet mixed with the green tea compound gained 20 percent less weight than the mice that ate the high-fat diet without the supplement.

Also, they had lower levels of insulin resistance. Inflammation was lower and the level of good gut bacteria was higher in this group as well.